I first saw this film as a trainee primary school teacher in the late 1970s, here in Australia. At the Teacher's College I attended it was required viewing. I must say that at the time many of my fellow students and I found it to be inspiring and thought-provoking...sparking much discussion about our under-resourced government school system at the time.
shareI am a univeristy Education professor, and require this film in my Foundations of Education classes, along with Dead Poets Society. Both these movies have stood the test of time - I never tire of either of them even after dozens of viewings
shareI went to univeristy. I studied edumication. I can raed and wrirt real good.
shareI completely agree with you regarding "Conrack", but couldn't take exception more with "Dead Poets Society". It was engaging up to the suicide scene. A poor, misunderstood, talented young man kills himself ... but instead of presenting it as the brutal, horrific, tragedy that it was, it's presented 'artistically' ... all you see if a gentle wisp of blue smoke wafting up, making it seem as if 'yes, that's the only true poetic end if nobody understands you and you're truely sensitive'. I think it sends a terrible message to young people who might have similar feelings. Also the ending is very week and Robin Williams seems to be fighting and losing to a paper lion. I was greatly disappointed.
shareI don't know if it was 'required' viewing but I saw this film eons ago when I was in the 9th grade, my class loved it. I just saw it 2 days ag on HBO it really has stood the test of time, not dated at all.
shareIf any film should be required of prospective teachers, it's this one. "Conrack" was a staple on late-night TV in the mid-'70s, and it's too bad it's fallen into obscurity today.
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